Homeland Security

Checklists

The Homeland Security Degree Program offers courses designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the field of homeland security. Job growth in homeland security in both the public and private sectors is expected to be robust and the need for homeland security professionals will continue to grow.

First semester freshmen who have declared a major in Homeland Security, or students who are considering a major in Homeland Security, will first enroll in HSEC 101, Introduction to Homeland Security. This course provides an overview of areas studied in Homeland Security: domestic and international terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, transportation networks, intelligence, the role of the healthcare system, critical infrastructure, and homeland security strategy and policy. The course also allows students to learn about jobs in the field of Homeland Security and allows them to begin thinking about planning their career.

Throughout the rest of the program, the study of various aspects of homeland security continues, as does the emphasis on career planning. Students will have the opportunity to complete internships affording them the opportunity to observe homeland security professionals as they work in the field. Internships are an excellent means of focusing career goals and making contacts. A student graduating from MacMurray in Homeland Security will have the knowledge he or she needs to succeed in Homeland Security, plus the information needed to find a position.

In addition to the general education courses required of all MacMurray students, those majoring in Homeland Security for either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree will complete 30 hours of required courses: HSEC 101, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303, and CRIM 101 and 202. Students are required to complete all of these courses with grades of C or better.

An additional 18 credit hours of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice electives are required, to be selected in consultation with each student's advisor. An internship (HSEC 250) is strongly recommended. Another 34 hours of electives will be selected in consultation with each student's advisor from complementary courses.

The department strongly recommends complementary courses in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Where possible, a second major or a minor should be developed in an area dictated by the interests of the student.

A student who receives a D or F grade in any Homeland Security course may repeat the course only once. If a student withdraws from a Homeland Security course with a current grade below C, the withdrawal will be noted in the department as WF (withdrawal while failing). The subsequent attempt of the course will be counted by the department as a repeat.

Homeland Security Minor

Students minoring in Homeland Security will complete a minimum of six courses in the department. Required courses include HSEC 101, 201, 202; CRIM 101; and two courses from the following: HSEC 203, 250, 300, 301, 302, and 303. At least one of these elective courses must be at the 300 level.

Courses

HSEC 101. Introduction to Homeland Security. (3) This course provides students with an overview of homeland security in the United States including homeland security policy, legal issues, and the organizational structure of the Department of Homeland Security. The course will explore terrorism, the all-hazards emergency management approach to homeland security, as well as safety and security issues, mitigation prevention and preparedness, and response and recovery practices. No prerequisite.

HSEC 102. Domestic and International Terrorism. (3) This course examines domestic and international terrorism by looking at the historical roots of terrorism in the United States and abroad and its ramifications for homeland security in the United States. Major issues such as the theories, history, strategies, and motivations of terrorism are examined. The course will also explore terrorist tradecraft and the challenges homeland security professionals will face now and in the future. No prerequisite.

HSEC 202. Tradecraft and Weaponry of Terrorism. (3) This course introduces students to various types of techniques and weapons utilized by terrorists. Students will be introduced to how terrorist groups operate, terrorist strategies, how targets are selected, and how such groups prepare for attacks. The course will address all terrorist weaponry, including weapons of mass destruction such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives. Students will be introduced to basic principles of weapons of mass destruction and the recognition, identification, decontamination, and treatment protocols associated with response to these types of incidents. The use of personal protective equipment as well as the toxicology and physical and chemical properties associated with such weapons will also be explored. Prerequisite: HSEC 101 or permission of instructor.

HSEC 203. Transportation Networks and Homeland Security. (3) This course provides students with knowledge of ground, air, and waterway transportation networks and of the security issues associated with protecting these systems. The course will introduce students to the concept of Total Security Management (TSM) and methods used to secure fixed assets, assets in transit, and human capital. Business continuity planning and risk and vulnerability assessment will also be discussed. Prerequisite: HSEC 101 or permission of instructor.

HSEC 210. Mass Violence and Government Response. (3) This course examines the phenomenon of mass violence in the world, with emphasis on incidents that have occurred in the United States. The course will focus on what has come to be termed "active shooter" events and explores the history and evolution of these incidents. The course looks at persons who commit these acts and the phases of the active shooter and requires students to identify differences and commonalities of the events. The application of the phases of disaster management will be applied, and students must identify which of the phases will have the most and least impact on the active shooter. The importance of the planning and response of police, school officials, and employers will be explored. No prerequisite.

HSEC 250. Homeland Security Internship. (3) Supervised field experience in homeland security. Working with their advisor and the Career Services Office, students arrange an internship in homeland security. The students will then work in the field during the semester, meeting in the classroom to report on related reading and the field experience. Pass/Fail grading. Prerequisites: second semester sophomore or above and minimum 2.00 grade point average. Must have permission of instructor prior to registration.

HSEC 300. The Role of Intelligence in Homeland Security. (3) This course explores the importance of intelligence in homeland security. The history of intelligence, the agencies comprising the intelligence community, methods of intelligence gathering, the intelligence cycle, and intelligence products will be examined. The role of the intelligence community in providing, risk assessments, warnings, and determining vulnerabilities for US policy makers will also be examined. Prerequisites: HSEC 101 and 201.

HSEC 301. The US Healthcare System and Homeland Security. (3) This course examines the role of the US Healthcare System in disaster management and homeland security. The course looks at the role and responsibilities of public health agencies and the structure and organization of health management in response to disasters. The importance of disaster planning; environmental and health issues; mental health strategies; public health's response to biological, nuclear, and chemical terrorism; and public health considerations in recovery and reconstruction will be explored. Prerequisites: HSEC 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.

HSEC 302. Management of Critical Incidents. (3) This course introduces students to the emerging science of critical incident decision making which is a systemized body of knowledge covering the principles and doctrines associated with managing emergency responses. Management of Critical Incidents provides students with the skill sets necessary for effective decision making in crisis situations. Students are exposed to the proper selection of responses and resolutions, operations planning and management, logistics, communications, and the essential approach of unified command as required with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS). Prerequisites: HSEC 101 or permission of instructor.

HSEC 303. Homeland Security Strategy and Policy. (3) This course examines the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the National Response Framework (NRF), the National Strategy for Homeland Security (NSHS), the protection of civil liberties, international law, and other strategies for securing the US homeland. The impact of these policies on civil liberties, trade, and commerce will also be examined. Prerequisites: HSEC 101 and 102 and CRIM 101.